Mining giant operators work slowly for better conditions

Heavy vehicle drivers will significantly reduce speed to demand more attractive remuneration.

Multiple BHP train operators will perform duties slowly, stop work for 24 hours and ask for improved employment conditions.

“Members would be taking further industrial action comprising of slow downs of some trains to no greater than 30km per hour for seven days beginning Saturday, 17 February [2024]. Train drivers will also undertake a ban on operating work trains which transport maintenance material, construction equipment or fuel during this period,” the Mining and Energy Union (MEU) said in a public statement.

“They will take a 24-hour stoppage this Friday 16 February as part of their industrial campaign to secure an improved enterprise agreement.”

A total of 97 per cent of MEU eligible members voted to support industrial action in a protected ballot between February 2 and 9. The action came after the employer replaced its existing BHP Billiton Iron Ore Locomotive Drivers Agreement from a decade ago.

“While the offer was an improvement it did not adequately address members’ priorities and was rejected with a no vote of almost 70 per cent before Christmas,” MEU said.

“MEU met with BHP again in January with a view to addressing outstanding issues. BHP has not yet responded to these issues, leaving drivers frustrated.”